JOHN Young, councillor and long-standing member of many Malvern groups, has died aged 78.

Born in Penn, Buckinghamshire, in 1927, Coun Young was educated at Wycombe Grammar School and came to Malvern when he was 16 to work at the Telecommunications Research Establishment (TRE).

In 1949, he married Sheila and they went on to have two sons, Timothy and Simon, and six grandchildren.

After retirement, he became a councillor on Malvern Hills District Council, representing the Trinity ward from 1987 to 2002. He was vice-chairman twice and chairman from 1993-1994.

Kevin Douglas, from MHDC, said: "He was always regarded as an elder statesman figure and was held in great respect by the members and officers for his wisdom and judgment."

Mr Young was a prominent member of Leigh and Bransford Parish Council, a past chairman and the council's representative on County Association of Local Councils.

Coun Graham Jones said: "His knowledge and expertise was a great asset to the council and on a personal level, he was a good friend and well-respected member of the community."

Mr Young was also a Conservator, nominated to the board as a district council representative, from 1987 to 2000.

Roger Hall-Jones, who worked with him, said: "He was always a strong supporter of the work of the board."

Mr Young was known for his interest in the community and was a trustee of Malvern Citizens Advice Bureau and Community Action.

He was also a member of Malvern Museum and Malvern Civic Society, chairman of the County Museum at Hartlebury and of the Malvern Liberal Democrats.

He was vice-chairman of the League of Friends of Malvern Hospital and a Mason of Royds Lodge, Malvern.

His family remembered his passion for local history, Vivaldi and male voice choirs.

Mr Young died peacefully at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, on Tuesday, January 4. His funeral will be held at 11.45am on Wednesday (January 19), at St Matthias' Church, Malvern, of which he was a committed member and had previously been treasurer and churchwarden. Everyone is welcome to attend.